The Denver Nuggets are in a tight financial squeeze, and that pressure is starting to reshape the conversation around the roster.
What looked like a manageable offseason has turned into a messy one for Denver, which has had limited room to operate. The team already had to let Peyton Watson walk because it did not have enough money to keep him, and the situation only got more restrictive after re-signing Spencer Jones.
“The Denver Nuggets were in a tough financial position before the offseason got underway, and by re-signing Spencer Jones to a two-year, $12 million deal, they slid into the second apron with a projected luxury tax penalty of $68 million, the highest in franchise history. However, this is all with two roster spots still to fill," SI's Logan Struck wrote.
That kind of cap stress has fueled bigger questions about Denver’s long-term direction, especially with Nikola Jokic potentially heading toward free agency. There is also no guarantee, at least according to the reporting here, that he will be locked in for the long haul.
“[Nikola Jokic] can profess his loyalty to the [Denver] Nuggets, there's still going to be teams that are positioning themselves and monitoring that. ... It's the same thing with Luka. He's done nothing but express optimism and excitement ... but it's not that long-term of an extension,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said.
If the Nuggets ever decide the whole thing needs to be reset, Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney thinks Jamal Murray could become part of that conversation.
“It’s not likely to happen now, but the finances in Denver are grim. It’s not hard to see a Jaylen Brown situation here,” Deveney wrote.
It would be a stunning outcome for Murray, who has been central to Denver’s success and was a major piece of the 2023 championship run. He is also an All-Star, and he has already made $218 million in his career.
If the Nuggets did decide to move him, Murray would bring back strong value in a trade. At the same time, dealing him would also give Denver some much-needed financial breathing room.
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Nuggets Still Have One Big Problem Behind Jamal Murray
Denvers early playoff exit put a familiar problem back in the spotlight: when Jamal Murray is pressured, the offense can get shaky in a hurry. The Nuggets moved to help by re-signing Tyus Jones, a straightforward step aimed at stabilizing the second unit and easing the burden on Murray, but the roster still looks like it needs more help keeping the ball secure and the half-court organized.
The front office has not made another move since then, and the lack of a clear answer behind Murray leaves the issue hanging over the rest of the offseason. Denver has been linked to another young option as it explores ways to add depth, but the real challenge is finding someone who can do more than just occupy a spot - someone who can steady possessions and take some playmaking pressure off the guards already on the roster. [Read more 🡒]
Cavaliers Fans Should Watch Where This Former First Rounder Lands Next
The Nuggets head into the new season trying to keep a contender intact while managing a financial squeeze that has already made every roster decision feel heavier than usual. They have brought back Spencer Jones and held onto the foundation of Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but the margin for adding more talent keeps narrowing as the front office balances present needs against a punishing tax bill.
One name worth tracking in that process is Cam Whitmore, a young free agent looking for his next opportunity after being waived by Cleveland. Denver has shown interest, which fits the kind of bet a team in its position has to consider: upside on the wing, a chance to find value where the market is thinner, and another moving part in a summer that still has a few complications to sort through. [Read more 🡒]
Nuggets Let Bruce Brown Walk And Now Fans Have A New Debate
Bruce Brown is getting another chance to stick on an NBA roster, this time with the Knicks on an Exhibit 9 deal as he heads into camp looking to win a spot on the final group. For Denver fans, it is the latest reminder of how quickly a useful role player can move on, especially one whose versatility and durability made him such a handy piece during his time with the Nuggets in the 2025-26 season.
Brown was not brought back after Denver chose to go in a different direction and add new players, leaving one familiar bench role open to debate among fans. New York now gets the benefit of seeing whether Brown can carve out playing time again, while Nuggets supporters are left weighing what his departure meant and whether the replacement was enough to cover the loss. [Read more 🡒]